Monthly Archives: November 2021

National Lacrosse League Promotes Heritage, Inclusion, Service With Launch Of NLL Unites

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, continues its unwavering commitment to its foundational pillars of heritage, inclusion and service with the unveiling of NLL Unites, the league’s umbrella social responsibility program. NLL Unites will combine the efforts of the league, teams, players and partners to promote each of those pillars through storytelling, education, activation and access.

NLL Unites will continue to evolve as the program develops and grows. Most visibly and imminently for the coming 2021-22 NLL season, players will wear a specially designed helmet decal with a Every Child Matters logo designed by Curt Styres and the Halifax Thunderbirds organization, raising awareness of the history and role of residential schools throughout North America.

“We are very proud to roll out NLL Unites and continue to amplify the great work already being done by the league and its teams, players and partners with respect to all our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “NLL Unites is the creation of a tremendous amount of work led by our Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and many others throughout the process. It will provide continued direction increasing our commitment to important initiatives that make a meaningful difference in many lives and will also allow support of programs that are authentic in their connection to lacrosse.”

The pillars of heritage, inclusion and service are at the heart of NLL Unites:

  • Heritage involves honoring the history of lacrosse and being advocates for the indigenous community. It connects inherently with our sport, NLL players and staff.
  • Inclusion is focused on making sure anyone who wants to play, watch or experience the NLL feels welcome. We want more people and kids having access to lacrosse. We embrace the challenge to make lacrosse for everyone.
  • Service highlights the community efforts of the league and its teams as the NLL is now in 15 markets across North America; we will work to positively impact our communities and give back.

NLL Unites was formed through collaboration and consultation with various partners and leaders in CSR. RISE conducted a series of focus groups with NLL players, teams, and front office staff to explore topics around diversity and inclusion, heritage, and equality. Together with the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, students conducted a CSR landscape analysis and recommended suggestions and initiatives that contributed to the framework of NLL Unites. Furthermore, the NLL reached out to other leagues, consultants, and ongoing partners to best understand the unique needs of the sport and its growing fandom.

Specific initiatives and programs will be announced throughout the 2021-22 season and beyond as NLL Unites puts a clear vision to the league’s corporate social responsibility efforts. These commitments will be guided through the subject matter expertise of the NLL’s non-profit partners including RISE, You Can Play and Right to Play, with more partners to come. Fans and anyone else who is interested can learn more about NLL Unites and learn how to get involved at nll.com/nll-unites.

Entain Foundation U.S. Sponsors NBA Legend Charles Oakley’s ‘Oak Out Hunger’ Community Project

The Entain Foundation U.S., the not-for-profit charitable trust of Entain, is to sponsor an initiative led by retired NBA legend Charles Oakley to include education in responsible gambling with other forms of support to impoverished, underprivileged communities facing hunger, addiction, and economic challenges in cities across the U.S.

The Entain Foundation U.S. sponsorship will provide both funding and expertise in preventing and mitigating problem gambling to the Oak Out Hunger initiative. It means that, for the first time, education in responsible gambling will sit alongside other valuable and worthwhile community services provided by the Charles Oakley Foundation, including anti-addiction and education programs.

Early next year this program will operate in U.S. cities including Los Angeles, New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia and New Orleans – coinciding with major sporting events including the Super Bowl and March Madness, the college basketball tournament. In addition, the campaign will visit further cities and towns also home to universities including Indiana University, the University of Michigan and Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, West Virginia and Tennessee.

“As sports betting takes off across many U.S. states, we’re committed to do all we can to ensure that people only bet what they can afford – which is especially important in more deprived communities,” said Martin Lycka, Entain senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling, and trustee of the Entain Foundation U.S. “The Oak Out Hunger campaign is truly unique – and effective – in providing essential services to impoverished and underprivileged urban communities across the U.S. The Oakley Foundation is an ideal partner to help us reach those in most need with education on responsible gambling.”

“It’s all about giving back to people who are trying to get through life,” Charles Oakley said. “I go all over. And you see people hanging out on the streets, nowhere to get a meal, some of whom use what little money they have to fund addictions. Our program is about helping to break that cycle. Give them a chance and a good meal. Meet some different people and have a good time.”

With the Entain Foundation US sponsorship, the Charles Oakley Foundation and Oak Out Hunger campaign join other nationally and globally recognized partners who collaborate with Entain to prevent and combat potentially harmful behaviors among at-risk populations.

Entain and its two sister foundations, the Entain Foundation and the Entain Foundation U.S., operate some of the world’s most innovative and comprehensive portfolios of programs designed to prevent and mitigate problem gambling.  For example, a free app, developed by Entain, called “Gamble Responsibly America,” is available through the App Store and Google Play, with no branding or commercial promotion.

The Entain Foundation U.S. is a first-of-its-kind non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the U.S. The Foundation was launched in 2019 by the Entain Global Foundation and the Entain Group. Entain is the leading global sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment operator, which jointly owns BetMGM in the U.S.

cover image: Charles Oakley (credit Bryan Horowitz)

Longtime NHL Referee Don Koharski Named NLL Director of Officials

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, today announced the appointment of retired 32-year veteran National Hockey League referee Don Koharski as its Director of Officials. Koharski, affectionately known as ‘Koho’, will begin his NLL duties immediately as the league gears up for the 2021-22 season launching on December 3.

Koharski, 65, officiated 1,882 regular season, 262 playoff and 11 Stanley Cup Finals games in his NHL career, which began in 1977 as a linesman before ascending to referee in 1981. The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native has been a longtime lacrosse supporter, as a player helping the Nova Scotia team to a silver medal in the Canada Summer Games in 1973 and coaching the Hamilton Bengals midget lacrosse team in 1980 and 1981. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007.

“In preparation for the 2021-22 season, Koho will take a deeper dive into more effective positioning and movement patterns, enhanced game management and communication skills allowing our officials to take their skill set to the next level” said Brian Lemon, NLL EVP of Lacrosse Operations. “His passion for the sport of lacrosse and the respect he earned in more than 2,000 NHL games will be crucial when recruiting and developing the best amateur officials for our sport.”

“I am honored to be a part of the National Lacrosse League, and excited to work with our officiating staff to make them the best they can be for the 2021-22 season and beyond.” said Koharski

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

VKTRY Brings NFL Star Jonathan Taylor On Board As Latest Brand Ambassador

VKTRY GEAR, the fast growing, industry leader in Performance Insoles for heightened athletic performance and injury protection, continued to make 2021 a record year, announcing six months in a row of month over month sales increases while bringing fast-rising NFL running back Jonathan Taylor on as the latest brand ambassador. The Indianapolis Colts star has the second highest grade among all NFL running backs per Pro Football Focus and is second in the league in rushing heading into this weekend. Players on all 32 NFL clubs are now using VKTRY insoles for the first time in the history of the company.

“When I first put VKTRY Insoles into my cleats, it was an instant boost of explosion, power & speed. Being able to explode out of my cuts with more power helps me separate from a defender,” stated Jonathan Taylor. “Knowing that VKTRY Insoles are made with the latest and greatest technology makes you feel almost like you’re a superhero or something out of this world. Having this high-tech product inside your cleats makes you feel like no one can stop you on the field.”

“We are honored to have two of the best young running backs in the NFL as VKTRY’s spokespeople – first Nick Chubb – and now Jonathan Taylor,” said VKTRY CEO Steve Wasik. “JT is one of the most explosive players in the league, highly respected by everyone who knows him. We are honored to have him representing VKTRY.”

During the 2021 NFL season, a record number of over 200 NFL players, from all 32 clubs, are now wearing VKTRY’S carbon fiber insoles, a 75% increase from 2020. The list includes some of the brightest young stars and respected veterans in the NFL: Nick Chubb, Saquan Barkley, Antonio Gibson, Bryan Bulaga, George Kittle, Josh Norman, DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and many more. VKTRY Insoles are used across multiple sports and the company’s endorsements include NBA legend Tracy McGrady, Captain of the Gold Medal-winning US Women’s Volleyball Team Jordan Larson, MLB slugger Vlad Guerrero, Jr., and 3X PGA major winner Padraig Harrington.

Made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber, VKTRY Insoles store and return energy to the athlete. They also provide a “spring-like” effect to improve shock absorption and reduce the load and stress on the athlete’s body. In independent performance testing, athletes wearing VKs increased their broad jump by an average of +4.0″, their vert by +1.6″ and improved their 40 times by 0.12 seconds. Because all athletes are not alike, VKs are customized based on the size of the athlete and the sport or activity. VKTRY’s Gold Insoles are available in five different levels of flexibility to optimize performance, protection and comfort.

“VKTRY’s Gold Insoles have been designed for serious athletes, while our recent launch of Silver Insoles appeals to more casual athletes or weekend warriors”, stated Wasik. “2021 has proven to be our best year ever as sales are trending at close to +40% higher than year ago. More and more athletes are discovering the performance and protection benefits of VKTRY Insoles.”

Taylor added: “If a teammate asked me about VKTRY Insoles, I would tell them that this is the one product that would help them take their game to the next level. Foam insoles don’t respond or give you anything back. Wearing VKTRY’s carbon fiber insoles, the one thing I notice instantly is that extra power & explosion that they give me.”

600 Picks For Dant On Tap As CBB & CFB Seasons Intersect

 Sports Gambling Podcast Network (SGPN) college sports handicapping expert Colby Dant will make a total 593 selections against the spread on college football and college basketball contests, in accordance with the slate of FBS and Division I basketball games in place for November 14-20.

With college basketball teams swinging into action across the country while the college football season continues apace, Colby Dant, his brother, Nick, and Patty C  will produce the Week 12 College Football Experience podcast and add The College Basketball Experience podcast in addition to posting their picks on SportsGamblingPodcast.com for the myriad SGPN audiences (CFB picksCBB picks).  Dant has spearheaded the selection of every game over the past four years and boasts a success rate well above industry standards during that time.

The commitment to providing input and a pick against the spread for each major college game is part of the exhaustive approach of Sports Gambling Podcast Network (SGPN), the only independently owned and operated sports gambling media network that places a premium on entertainment value.  The predictive podcasts are most readily available on the SGPN app, downloadable at Apple’s App StoreThe Google Play Store , and from www.SportsGamblingPodcast.com.

“It is, by far, the craziest week of the year,” offered Dant, who is 31 games over .500 on college football prognostications this year.  “Though it breaks my heart, the college football slate slows down as Thanksgiving week arrives.  That allows for a transition of focus to the hardwood, where there are great wagering opportunities because the oddsmakers will be putting up unsophisticated lines.  So, join us and we’ll give you some early-season college BBall winners.”

“We just sit back in amazement,” said Sean Green, co-founder with Ryan Kramer of SGPN’s formidable lineup of sports wagering content offerings.  “The college podcasts are among our most popular, so we’re expecting traffic increases as the audiences join Colby in embracing the simultaneous hardwood action.”

  • In prominent college football games this week, Dant likes four underdogs to cover, as posted on the website.  He has homestanding Pitt +6.5 over North Carolina, Michigan +7.5 at Penn State, Tennessee +22 hosting Georgia and Purdue +23.5 at Ohio St.  Among his season over/under win total predictions that cashed by midseason was South Carolina over 3.5 wins.  The Gamecocks are now 5-4 after their dismantling of Florida Saturday night.

NLL Announces Partnership with Ontario Junior Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, announced a partnership with the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (@TheOJLL) of the Ontario Lacrosse Association, focusing on game-related matters, from coaching and officiating development to marketing and sponsorship initiatives.

Although details of the partnership are being formalized now, the NLL and the OJLL have been working together informally for the last several months as the OJLL adopted nine rules from the NLL ahead of their 2021 season, providing players, coaches, and officials with enhanced opportunities to elevate themselves to the next level. Many members of the NLL were involved in OJLL Commissioner Mark Grimes’ recommendation to implement the rules, including NLL general managers Ed Comeau (Georgia Swarm), Paul Day (Philadelphia Wings) and Derek Keenan (Saskatchewan Rush), and NLL referee Ian Garrison.

“We have been very impressed with what the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League has been able to accomplish under the leadership of Mark Grimes since he took over in April of 2021,” said Nick Sakiewicz, NLL Commissioner. “We want to continue to grow and unify the game of lacrosse under a consistent rulebook and serve as an inspiration to the players, coaches, and officials who are currently and will eventually go through the OJLL.”

“We have some of the best minds in the National Lacrosse League behind the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League right now,” said OJLL Commissioner, Mark Grimes. “The OJLL is committed to remaining the NLL’s number one source for talent and this partnership brings together two leaders in the sport to provide a continuous pathway of development for players, coaches, and officials.”

“The NLL is very excited about continuing our work with the OJLL,” said Brian Lemon, EVP of Lacrosse Operations for the NLL. “The ability to have OJLL playing NLL rules will benefit players, coaches, and officials for the future. Now is the time to establish these relationships with the lacrosse organizations as the NLL continues to grow, needing the next crop of talent and to unify the game.”

The OJLL has perennially provided top level talent to the NLL and 2021 was no exception— 48% of all selections in the 2021 NLL Entry Draft were developed in the OJLL, including 12 first-round picks. Heading into the 2021-22 NLL season, three officials were onboarded to the NLL after demonstrating standout performances in the 2021 OJLL season. These three officials will join 24 others as members of the NLL staff who began their careers in the Ontario Lacrosse Association and are veterans of the OJLL.

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

About the National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas NLL, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.

2021 American 7s Football Season to Launch on fubo Sports Network

On the heels of a pilot program between the American 7s Football League and fubo Sports Network, the network will showcase the top games from the A7FL’s hard-hitting 2021 season.  The partnership, which kicked off October 25 and will continue each Monday thereafter at 6 PM ET with fubo Sports Network providing fans with their first free opportunity to view A7FL’s signature no helmets no pads football action from the league’s recently wrapped 7th season.

The fast-growing A7FL topped 200 million total video views in 2021 and grew to 750,000+ social media followers.  The league recently extended its successful StartEngine fundraising campaign and added 4 new division owners, expanding to 8 divisions and 32 teams nationwide for its 2022 season, which runs April-July.  In just the past year, several new sponsors have joined the fold including Cricket Wireless, Marshawn Lynch’s ZoomBang / Beast Mode, Herff-Jones, BioHemp+, and BetDSI.

Monday night’s game on fubo Sports Network features perennial A7FL powerhouse the Trenton BIC facing off against the Baltimore Cobras.  The BIC head into their 2021 campaign led by explosive two-time MVP Matt Riddick and 2020 Rookie of the Year Ashante Worthy.  The Cobras feature the always dangerous Jon “Ace Boogie” Gause Jr. at quarterback while nose guard Derrell Harris can clog holes on defense but can also break games open behind center or at wide receiver.

“We are thrilled to give fans the chance to tune in every Monday night to enjoy the action from our top games from the 2021 season,” said A7FL Co-Founder and CEO Sener Korkusuz. “Since we launched our “From the Vault” series with fuboTV in late summer, we’ve seen a 47% increase in viewing, so these games are clearly resonating with their sports-oriented audience – just as they have on social media and other platforms.”      

“Our audience has a strong appetite for action-packed sports content from partners like the American 7s Football League,” said Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Sports Network and original programming, fuboTV. “We’re excited to bring the 2021 A7FL season to Fubo Sports Network and provide viewers with even more unique 7-on-7 football the league is known for.”

Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from BeIN Sports Xtra, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, Stadium, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on Hisense Smart TVs, LG Channels, Sports on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s subscription packages of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.